Karen Winn, Wayne Quarles, and Debbie Boeh hosted our required continuing education for officials. MSEDA thanks each of these officials for their time; officials and riders alike learned about rule changes and current event updates pertaining to officiating at MSEDA competitions. 

Winn, Quarles, and Boeh presented several 2025 rule changes for FEI and USEF competitions at both USDF Dressage Shows and USEF Horse Trials. MSEDA sanctioned shows may run under USEF rules, so these rule changes and updates are important for our MSEDA officials to be aware of entering a new competition year. 

Our panel led a discussion about horse abuse and dangerous riding, specifically explaining the FEI and USEF’s take on these topics. While MSEDA does not carry a yellow-card rule, we encourage officials to use MSEDA shows a educational opportunities for coaches and competitors. MSEDA officials were empowered speak up about rule infractions and dangerous riding at a show. Quarles suggested that TDs take another adult with them to have discussions about dangerous riding with competitors to ensure that there was another bystander to oversee the communication. This helps protect officials from safesport violations when speaking to a minor, as well as congruence between each side of a story. 

Winn shared her safety checklist that she discusses with a show’s organizer (USEF and MSEDA) before she comes to an event. This helps ensure that all safety measures are in place, such as communication between event officials and the EMT, and steps to take in the case of an emergency. This document is posted on the MSEDA homepage so officials can use it for the 2025 season. 

Finally, the panel discussed the roles of a technical delegate and the president of the ground jury. While both are a necessary part of an MSEDA sanctioned competition, they hold different roles. A TD’s job is to make sure the competition is safe and fair for all competitors, and will check heights of jumps and ensure safety measures are in place. A PGJ confirms that the course is a fair test for the level. Organizers should remember to ask an official to fulfill a PGJ role before their arrival to the competition. Officials can assist in this by confirming their roles (and the roles of other officials) leading up to the competition. 

Karen Winn, Wayne Quarles, and Debbie Boeh provided a wealth of experience to our officials that we know will assist them in serving the MSEDA community in the upcoming season.